35 Years of Service: Goronyo Hails Adeladan’s Contributions to Federal Ministry of Works
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has described the retired Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre, FCIPSN, as an outstanding administrator whose dedication and behind-the-scenes contributions helped advance the ministry’s infrastructure delivery mandate.
Goronyo made the remarks on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during a retirement celebration organised in honour of Adeladan at the Boardwalk Event Centre, Utako, Abuja.
The Minister of State, who represented the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, said Adeladan’s 35-year career in the Nigerian public service was characterised by integrity, discipline, humility and an unwavering commitment to duty.
He disclosed that his appreciation of the retired Permanent Secretary’s professional qualities was based on their working relationship at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Works.
According to Goronyo, Adeladan distinguished himself through hard work, sincerity and exceptional dedication, describing him as a God-fearing man who consistently upheld his religious obligations despite the demands of public office.
He noted that the former Permanent Secretary’s commitment to duty was evident in his constant presence at the office and his determination to ensure that the ministry’s responsibilities were properly coordinated.
Goronyo said Adeladan played an important role in supporting the ministry’s efforts to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly through road infrastructure development across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
He further acknowledged his contributions to the flag-off of several road projects and the implementation of the four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects.
Describing him as a dependable administrative pillar, Goronyo said his leadership style demonstrated that meaningful achievements in public service did not always require public recognition.
“We are behind you, wherever you are. He is a man of his word, a quiet and silent achiever,” he stated.
Earlier, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, FCNA, welcomed guests and explained that the ceremony was initially planned for August but was postponed until Adeladan eventually agreed to be honoured.
He praised the retired Permanent Secretary’s leadership approach, particularly his accessibility and open-door policy, which he said encouraged staff development and provided direction for officers under his supervision.
In their goodwill messages, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, and the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, described Adeladan as a calm, dependable and hardworking administrator who made remarkable contributions to the ministry.
Dechi used the Hausa expression, “Yabon gwani ya zama dole,” to underscore the importance of recognising and celebrating accomplished professionals.
A former Director of Public Procurement, Alhaji Yusuf Argungu, also paid tribute to Adeladan, describing him as a versatile administrator, a master of many disciplines and a committed peacemaker with an impressive record of achievements.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkareem Ozi, said the large gathering of colleagues and dignitaries demonstrated the respect and goodwill Adeladan earned during his years in service.
He reminded civil servants that retirement was an inevitable phase of every public service career and encouraged them to plan for life after service from the beginning of their professional journeys.
In his response, Adeladan thanked Almighty God for the successful completion of his career and acknowledged the sacrifices, love and upbringing of his parents, which he said contributed immensely to the person he had become.
The ceremony featured the presentation of gifts by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Ministers and management staff, ceremonial cake cutting, cultural performances and the presentation of Adeladan’s citation.
A documentary highlighting his career, professional milestones and contributions to the Nigerian public service was also screened.
The event was attended by Permanent Secretaries, directors, senior civil servants and other dignitaries, including Alhaji Danjuma Sanusi of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Fatimah Sugra Mahmoud of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The celebration served as recognition of Adeladan’s 35 years of service and the enduring contributions of an administrator whose career was defined by professionalism, institutional loyalty, dedication and commitment to national development.
